Intelligent circuit exercise training improves platelet mitochondrial bioenergetic efficiency in sedentary men

Platelet mitochondria modulate thrombogenesis, whereas regular exercise reduces vascular thrombotic risks. This study explores how the Intelligent circuit (CET) and single (SET) exercise regimens affect platelet mitochondrial bioenergetics in sedentary men.

Fifty healthy sedentary men were randomly assigned to participate in CET [n = 17, circuit exercise on bicycle, rowing, and elliptical ergometers at 60% heart rate reserve (HRR), 10 min of each exercise followed by 1 min of rest] or SET (n = 17, three sets of cycling at 60% HRR for 10 min followed by 1-min rest), or to a control group (CON, n = 17) that did not receive exercise intervention. Both CET and SET were conducted using real-time HR and workload feedback. Systemic aerobic fitness and capacities of mitochondrial electron transport system (ETS) and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in platelets were measured through automatic gas analysis and high-resolution respirometry, respectively.

Both CET and SET significantly improved VO_2max by 25.7% and 21.4%, respectively. Acute strenuous exercise decreased FADH2-dependent ETS capacity and depressed both NADH- and FADH2-dependent OXPHOS capacities in platelets. Conversely, both CET and SET increased OXPHOS and ETS capacities by facilitating FADH2-linked pathway in platelets. Notably, changes in VO_2peak were positively correlated to changes in platelet OXPHOS (r = 0.756, P < 0.001) and ETS (r = 0.674, P < 0.001) caused by various interventions, respectively.

Both CET and SET improve systemic aerobic capacity and simultaneously increase platelet FADH2-dependent OXPHOS and ETS capacities in sedentary males. Moreover, changes in systemic aerobic capacity are associated with changes in platelet mitochondrial bioenergetics following the Intelligent exercise regimens.